Should Braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones?
Andruw Jones hit 19 home runs last season with the White Sox.
Hey look: Andruw Jones is still available and the Braves could use a right-handed bat and an extra outfielder.
OK, all together now: Schultz, you’re an idiot.
Truth is, I’m not pushing for the Braves to sign Jones. But I’m not completely dismissing the idea, either.
Have to admit, I’m only bringing this up because I’ve received a few emails in the last couple of days from readers asking me about Jones, and our resident baseball man David O’Brien tells me he also has been fielding questions from fans.
First, let’s address the negative: Jones will be 34 in April, obviously isn’t the Gold Glove center fielder he used to be with the Braves and often stirs up gale force winds when he’s at the plate.
Now here’s the positive: Playing for the Chicago White Sox last season, his third team in three years, Jones hit 19 home runs in 328 plate appearances. That roughly translates to a 40-home run season as a regular (which he’s not). Jones even walked 45 times, which gave him an on-base percentage of .341 (his best since 2006) and hit .230 (still anemic but better than the previous three years: .222, .158, .214)
The Braves could use a right-handed bat off the bench. For that matter, their outfield still makes me nervous. Martin Prado will be the everyday left fielder, unless Chipper Jones has a setback and can’t start at third. Jason Heyward is in right. Then there’s the great black hole in center: Nate McLouth. Jordan Schafer also will be camp in spring training, hoping to belatedly jump start his career. Eric Hinske and Joe Mather can fill in.
Is that good enough?
There are reports the New York Yankees are interested in Jones. The major league minimum salary is $414,000 next season, though Jones presumably would sign for something in the $750,000 to $1 million range.
There’s nothing to indicate the Braves are interested. The question is whether it’s risky to bring back a player who once was a star in that city and now is in his final days. But if Jones is desperate enough to accept a reduced role, I don’t see that as an issue. It’s something to think about, anyway.
By Jeff Schultz
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272 comments Add your comment
some sense
January 12th, 2011
2:27 pm
Number 1…he was never a “…star in this city.”
Number 2…weight clause is crucial.
Number 3…otherwise, why not???
mcdaviddawg
January 12th, 2011
2:28 pm
no, he didn’t help before and won’t help now,
Larry
January 12th, 2011
2:28 pm
Pardon the candor, but I want you to know every one here that things this is a good idea–at any price–that I think your are an absolute idiot!
Likely, you are the SAME idiots that kept wanting Bobby Cox in the dugout the past several years and wish he were still there today.
Please, just go away and let the championship caliber “Alpha Dogs” on here show you how it is done. You are followers and laggards and now it is time for the leaders!
GTP
January 12th, 2011
2:31 pm
No, I don’t want to see him come back and fall down while swinging ever again.
Chopper
January 12th, 2011
2:32 pm
Why not? And if he gets bored sitting on the bench, I’m sure he can make his way up to the “all-you-can-eat” seats for a snack.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
2:33 pm
If Andruw signs with the Yankees, I could very well see him starting in Right or DH’ing day in and day out. Potentially .240 or more with 30 HR…
BnB
January 12th, 2011
2:33 pm
why not?
Rise Up Fan
January 12th, 2011
2:34 pm
Yes they should bring him back. McLouth sucks as the CF. Andruw might capture lighning in a bottle and play very well. You never know ?
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
2:35 pm
Larry would you rather have Joe Mather fill that spot? because right now thats who it is.
Bojangles
January 12th, 2011
2:37 pm
What does Wren think about bringing him back Jeff ? Andruw would increase ticket sales too. Fans loved Andruw !
Reeves
January 12th, 2011
2:38 pm
This is silly! Do any of us really think that Frank Wren is anxiously awaiting the daily blog results to see what players he needs to sign. LMAO
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
2:40 pm
You might be surprised what they see Reeves… Does a company look at its clients trends to see how to increase revenue? You bet they do!
Braves Fan
January 12th, 2011
2:42 pm
He!! no…not another re-run. How many times have we done that.
You didn’t put Young on the list for outfielders..rather have him than A Jones and it wont cost the money………
He!! no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GovClintonTyree
January 12th, 2011
2:46 pm
Short answer: absolutely.
Justafan
January 12th, 2011
2:47 pm
You could always find AJ at the Gold Club.
Larry
January 12th, 2011
2:51 pm
C’mon Man
Honestly, I’d rather go with an unproven rookie! Andruw Jones epitomizes what went wrong with this team starting about 2002-2003. An utter lack of energy, accountability and apathy…and right at the center of this was the fat guy mining his nostrils barking out cute little nick names.
Let’s move forward, figuratively and literally!
GovClintonTyree
January 12th, 2011
2:51 pm
Long answer: He was in much better shape with the Rangers and especially the White Sox, so he’s productive. OPS last year was a solid .827. He can play centerfield, maybe not like he once could, but well enough to give McLouth a breather against tough lefties, or maybe more if Nate doesn’t bounce back. Our leftfielder is the backup plan at first, second and third, so there’ll be at bats there as well.
Andruw could handle 450 at bats for us, no problem. Although Boras is his agent, he’s not going to get crazy money, should be affordable. I’d even entertain a team/vesting option for a second year.
He lives here, he undoubtedly wants to be here, and he fits our needs and in our clubhouse (see pix of the Mocha Cowboy at the Jason Aldean concert with Chipper, Mac, Ross, Bobby and them).
UABDAD
January 12th, 2011
2:54 pm
I think the Atlanta Braves has given Andruw Jones the opportunity to become the greatest player in the history of the franchise or in baseball. Jones was lazy and seemed to lack motivation during the majority of his years here in Atlanta. This is a younger and stronger team that seems to be heading in the right direction. No COX is good.. No CHIPPER would be great!!!
Bravo
January 12th, 2011
2:55 pm
If Andruw agrees to comeback and be a role player, I don’t see why not even if you pay him $1M. Most washed up players in MBL gets $3-$5M and can’t hit a lick.
Let’s not forget what he has done for the Braves.
UGASlobberknocker
January 12th, 2011
2:55 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Thats all we need is a fat lazy player who is about 5 yrs older than he says he is.
pat
January 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
ALL things considered…………………he’s a bargin.
- Yes
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
hmmmmm… Again, you are speculating, with no evidence. He may have been on the juice, but we don’t know that. Afast decline is not evedence. Ask Dale Murphy, or Willie Mays (who I consider to be one of the 2 greatest all around players of all time) Did those 2 juice? There is a big difference between suspicion and proven fact. I don’t want Andruw back, because I believe he has declined greatly, and is not the best option, but I don’t know if he juiced or not.
Rich T
January 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
rEEVES SAID: “This is silly! Do any of us really think that Frank Wren is anxiously awaiting the daily blog results to see what players he needs to sign. LMAO”
No.
UGASlobberknocker
January 12th, 2011
2:57 pm
Justafan..
AJ might have to start going to the Cheetah since the Gold Club shut down about 10 yrs ago.
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
January 12th, 2011
2:59 pm
Yes. I have actually been bringing this up for quite a while. At 1 mil he will definitely be worth it. His power never declined even though his average did, but lets face it he was never a high-average hitter. 19HRs that Andruw hit last year is more than Heyward hit last year (18)….yeah think about that for a second.
While his defense may have declined a little, it has simply gone from being perennial Gold Glove quality to being above average.
For 1 million = absolutely worth it.
Go get him
Larry
January 12th, 2011
3:00 pm
Give Jordan Schafer a chance now that he’s healthy…he’s much faster, harder working and more dedicated that Andruw ever was. Plus, he’ll cost less at the club house buffet!
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
January 12th, 2011
3:01 pm
and +1 to Schultz for having the cojones to finally write it…
Nilo Emerenciana
January 12th, 2011
3:06 pm
If Andruw jones have the choice to choose between the Yankees and the Braves, if I was him, I would choose to play for the Yankees. There he has more future and chances to show his talent. Besides that 3 years ago the Braves have let him go, while he badly wanted to play for the Braves.
tony
January 12th, 2011
3:10 pm
Absolutely! Why not consider him for our everday CF?
Dawg A
January 12th, 2011
3:16 pm
Jeff… if the Yankees are interested then that should tell us something!!! Yes sign him and make it incentive laden! It’s not like we have a ton of other choices!!!
baldy87
January 12th, 2011
3:16 pm
He’s 34 years old, with what, 15 years in the big leagues? …and has the guy figured out how to hit a curve ball yet? I’m mean seriously, I’m an idiot, and even I know that all I’d have to do is tell my pitcher, “you will be fined $10,000 for each pitch that is NOT a curveball away.” He was washed up 3 or 4 years ago, and he’s still washed up.
Nova Scotia Steve
January 12th, 2011
3:26 pm
Bring him back – for $1m – why wouldn’t you try it?
urban redneck
January 12th, 2011
3:28 pm
could we use another backup outfielder? sure. do i want to reunite the jones brothers? no.
honestly, i hope shafer wins the opening spot in cf and solves our outfielder problem. i really like this guy.
is our number 5 starter going to be beachy or minor until medlen returns?
McDawg
January 12th, 2011
3:31 pm
No
The Real Brave
January 12th, 2011
3:42 pm
BRING HIM BACK!!!
NOW!!
Tom1
January 12th, 2011
3:43 pm
Sorry, but Hell No. If you want to talk about bringing back former Braves, consider Mark Teixeira. Should never have let him go in the first place.
Fourbee
January 12th, 2011
3:51 pm
In 102 at bats against lefties last year these are his numbers
Avg OBP SLG OPS HR SO
.256 .373 .558 .931 8 19
Respectable perhaps, but, when Kawakami is traded, FW will probably be in the market for someone better.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
3:52 pm
Larry, in 2003 the pitching went down hill. That is when we were relying on Russ Ortiz and Mike Hampton.
Dogs, Jackets take a beating in ESPN poll (no surprise) | Jeff Schultz
January 12th, 2011
3:53 pm
[...] – Should Braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones? [...]
bad dawg
January 12th, 2011
3:54 pm
Even though it should be hot next summer,we can all do without the breezes.Why don’t weak hitters learn to ‘guard’ the plate? Money..money..they can’t bunt but that beer is still 7 bucks sir.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
3:55 pm
Larry, What about having Schafer and Andruw. If Chipper is hurt and Mclouth continues his struggles. Andruw made around minimum salary last season. Why not make him a 5th outfielder?
DawgBoi
January 12th, 2011
3:57 pm
Frank Wren has done a terrific job as our G.M. since he replaced John Schuerholz so I believe he will make the right call. I think Andruw would be a great combo off the bench with Hinske for Gonzalez. The power numbers and RBI’s those two would put together in the late innings would be a huge weapon for the anemic looking offense. Who knows? I have no clue how to expect this team to play because this will be the first season without Bobby Cox. I will miss him but I am really excited about the changes that are taking place and wish everything and the best for our new ‘Skipper’ Fredi Gonzalez. Hopefully we get a chance to see Andruw back in a Braves uniform; I think he can help us win this year. Anyone heard of a guy named Renteria?
Richard Alpert
January 12th, 2011
3:58 pm
I had enough of him grinning like an idiot every time he struck out.. so NO!
Charlie
January 12th, 2011
3:59 pm
Is he under 30olbs? Just kidding…I say he would be worth a spring training shot and into the early season to see how he would do. The risk/reward ratio looks pretty good to me.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
4:01 pm
The Yankees want him. That should tell us all something.
bulldog bubba
January 12th, 2011
4:02 pm
What in the name of “SONNY CLUSTERS” are you trying to do to us?We don’t need a fanner at home plate.He stands at the plate and grins,strikes out and then sits down.Please not again.
Jon
January 12th, 2011
4:04 pm
bring him home wren!!!! PLEASE! Hes better than any other back up we’ve had in years..19 home runs! Didn’t heyward hit that last year?!
stew
January 12th, 2011
4:09 pm
Andruw should be in a platoon with McLoser and once McLoser doesn’t pan out he should be our everyday centerfielder. I really think if given 550 at bats he’ll hit 30 and drive in 90. That’s much more production than we can ever dream of having from McLoser. I don’t care about how many times he strikes out or how low his batting average is. 30 and 90 and decent defense is all I want. We wouldn’t be as vulnerable to lefty pitching as we have been recently with Andruw/Chip/Uggs/Prado/Gonzo. We’d have a better lineup and bullpen than Philly. Phils would have an advantage in the rotation, but we’d be competitive.
J.T.Ellenwood
January 12th, 2011
4:10 pm
Bring Andrum back sign him to a minor league contract it is still 25 homeruns in that bat 90 RBI.
JeanE
January 12th, 2011
4:23 pm
No way, man. If this is the way we’re going to go, why on Earth wouldn’t we have kept Matty Diaz??? I’m still mad we didn’t keep him, forget bringing Andruw back. Been there, done that. Next.